Corey Acosta can rattle off a textbook definition of “homeostasis” by memory.

But the Southern Miss redshirt senior kicker should be able to. The biological sciences major has been a member of the Conference USA All-Academic Team the last two years, boasts a 3.79 GPA, and is a member of the National Honor Society and Key Club.

So perhaps it’s no coincidence, though, that the meaning of homeostasis — the tendency of a system to maintain internal stability — is exactly what Acosta is banking on for a big senior season.

Coming off a 2013 campaign that saw him make 11 out of 20 field goals, Acosta leans on mental toughness to get through difficult situations.

“I guess when you get in those situations, you have one of two options,” the Memphis native said. “Either give up and fold, or you just push through. It’s all relatable from football to the classroom to what you want out of life. Sometimes you get an F, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to drop the class.

“If you want something bad enough, you’re going to keep working no matter the adversity.”

Rock bottom for Acosta came against Florida International last season, when his 44-yard field goal attempt was tipped at the line as time expired. The missed game-winning attempt resulted in a Golden Eagles’ loss, one of 11 in 2013.

The field goal try against FIU was one of six consecutive misses for Acosta last season, but it was the most difficult to comes to grips with.

“Every kick up to that point that’s been a big kick, I’ve made it,” said Acosta, who was a perfect 24-for-24 on extra points in 2013. “I did it in high school and in college. Any pressure situation like that, I’ve met the challenge. As soon as it came off my foot, my first thought was, ‘We won.’ Then, you hear that little thud.

“That was a tough one to handle, especially going into a bye week after that. Not a lot of sleep that night.”

Following Acosta’s string of six missed field goal tries last season, he closed out the year making six of his final eight attempts, including the final two against Alabama-Birmingham.

He’s carried that momentum over to spring camp.

“I’ve been kicking well,” he said. “I’m happy with where I’m at and with how I’ve been doing.”